Give Yourself Permission to Move During Your Swing

If you aren't physically able to swing like the pros, allow yourself to move side to side

July 12, 2018

We all want a more powerful golf swing. Though some believe a more powerful swing lies in physical strength, in reality, power is created by how you shift your weight during your swing.

Simply put, if you want a more powerful swing, you have to give yourself permission to move.

Modern golf swings tend to use buzz words like torque, twist, turn, etc. as the real secrets to a powerful swing, but this seemingly good advice can lead to injury. The human body is not built to repeatedly twist at the waist over and over.

Instead, you can create the same strength by moving side to side rather than around a central point (in this case your core), which puts less stress on your back and joints and can give you more power and accuracy in your swing.

The key is to give yourself room and enough time to execute the swing. If you pay very close attention to the pros when they swing, you’ll notice a pivot sequence happening. They start with their weight equally distributed on both feet, but as they begin their backswing they transfer over to their right leg (for right-handed players) and then shift their over to their left leg during their follow through.

There are several ways to perfect this motion. I like to suggest that my students imagine their center of gravity (that spot in between your hips and belly button) as a pendulum swinging back and forth. Try to shift your weight without swinging your hips Keep your head as still as you can. Just feel your weight move from one foot to the other. Once you feel familiar with this motion, slowly incorporate a golf club, starting slowly and gradually building speed.

Giving yourself permission to move will revolutionize your golf swing, increasing your power and accuracy while reducing your chance for injury. Apply this method to your swing and you will be hitting like the pros in no time.

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Fairygodboss is the largest career community for women, where you can find like-minded professionals to expand your network along with advice for every stage of your career. Even better? It’s 100% free and members can post as themselves or anonymously.

Get connected by joining the LPGA Women’s Network’s new group on Fairygodboss. We’ll be sharing practical advice for busy professionals interested in making their foray into golf through this new space.

How about a tip from a former Solheim Cup Team USA champion herself? Gerina Piller reminds us to not get too caught up in the mechanics and to "perfect what you already have". #FirstTimerFriday ... See MoreSee Less

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We're loving @AbbyLiebs and her *Fore the Ladies* golf events! Next up is Jacksonville, Florida!
This is for ALL women. Whether you’ve never picked up a golf club or you’re a seasoned player, it's just $20 to get professional lessons and play 3 holes with the ladies! #inviteHER